When this man would open his mouth it would seriously feel as though you were the only one in the room that he was singing to. Just look at Roberta's expression when Luther starts to sing his part of the song. I will never stop listening to Luther or any of the old school as long as I am in my right mind.
How true! I can't stand todays music. It really has nothing to give you but beats and groves and no substance. Thank goodness for youtube.Thank you to the people who upload these gems.Please keep it up
Estimated friend, if you want to listen again this song and an endless number of successes of the love I suggest you to visit Radio MUSICA PARA MIMOS - looks for his direction URL in Google ( search Musica para Mimos in Google)-. best romantic music of all the times in Internet, is great, is very good ...!!!
Back in the day, Roberta's work touched me to the core. Does anybody else remember allowing your mind to drift and wonder, sometimes, the ballads true meaning? Songs like "Suzanne" always brought me to a majical and mystical place and allowed me to use my imagination and JUST THINK!
When Luther made this song, I thought that he finally coming out the closet. I mean, everybody knew he was gay, and it would've been a good time to do so. I still would've been a fan of his, regardless of... But, he didn't, and I was cool with that too:)
Really....WTF happened to music? It's like I woke up one day and there was "Soldier Boy." And I can't seem to find the exit out of this labyrinth of musical hell! I'm serious somebody explained to me, WHAT HAPPENED TO MUSIC?!
@nuttinbutchurch I know what you mean, I'm sorry to say ...I think you could say music has been 'dumbie-downed'---I miss words that touched the soul and moved the spirit now they just insult me!
You've got a point. This song is from a time when there were REAL singers and not manufactured auto-tuned singers like most of what's out there today, 'specially the Disney "singers"
As more and more of today's black artists erase the soul from RnB we can only say thank God for likes of Luther and Roberta. Subtle and understated. Pure class.
Funny - I went on a double date to a Luther concert in Atlanta and my girlfriend and I were having such a good time dancing on our chairs that looking down at the guys, we decided - next Luther concert - no dates! Luther used to sing backup when Roberta was recording with Donny. God bless you all.
Sweet Lord this takes me back... the classics of R and B. Luther and Roberta are legends. And to the matter of his sexuality, FUCK YOU if you'd rather talk about that than his god-given voice. It's a masterpiece in every way. R.I.P Luther
This is the type of song that it doesn't matter what you say. it's not that type of love song. Music can touch anyone. That's what the song is about. Luther touched my life with his song, and I'm straight. lol
You can believe that if you want to. But this Rosie O'Donnell show. To paraphrase Dr. Evil, strumming my face with your fingers is not something one dude should do to another dude. Yeah.
ranhill dude.. the lyric is "strummin my PAIN with his fingers" not face. but your homophobic discomfort is hilarious nonetheless. yes, luther was gay. so?
Come on bruh...elevate your mind. The song is about how a musician can play/sing a SONG and have that song speak to your situation. Strumming..as in guitar...my "Pain" (not face).... Then note how the guitar takes a little solo when they sing that. See that is what real music is about. It tells a story.
But I understand. Today music is so shallow that you are probable not used to great lyrical content in songs.
Whatever happened to Roberta Flack? She can still sing and sounded beautiful in this clip. I think that she should still be recording. If not for record sales, then for the love of music. As for those with curiousity about Luther's sexuality. The man is dead, let's let him rest in peace. You know whether he was gay or not, God's gonna want him to lead His choir and do solos.
Is'nt that what they're there for??You're probably white anyway.Don't hate cuzz ya'll can't perform these gifts as well as us!!! That's if you're white.If not you're just ignorant...either way Jackass pretty much fits!!!
I think Luther is the Best R&B singer of all times.... I"m not sure why people concern themselves with Luther sexulaity. I guess people have too much time on their hands
Why do people put so much attention on the wrong things? To worry about somebody elses sexuality is really a waste of energy,because GOD is gonna judge us all in the end. I will promise you that no matter if Luther was gay or not the man left his mark on the world and that is more then most of us have done. People with the most to say about others are the ones with the most to hide in their closets. I love Luther's music it's just that simple. I have no proof he was gay so why gossip?
Honestly, it does sound weird to hear him say "he" at first...but then u have to understand the song. It's not a love song...it's a song about how someone can describe all the emotions that u feel through music...this happens to everyone at some point, regardless of the gender of the artist. Matter of fact, we relate to the same gender's message better.
black people didnt care about his sexuality because he didn't "put it out there" for the world, but trust me had he been open with it blacks would have had a fit. as long as your quiet about it people acted very liberal about it, but the truth comes out when someone comes out the closet. sad but true
Brother Hathaway had the same issues it does seem a little ironic that she is singing Donny's song with Luther. I got this from some industry insiders. Strange who you know sometimes.
Incredible singers! Timeless song! A more atrocious video I have not seen. It can turn away (and deprive) those born long after this song first hit the airwaves. So please play another version of this great song, and put the video on only for the images. I wish someone could find a better version of this same performance. This performance will not happen ever again.
WOW...I grew up on Luther Vandross...literally LOL...My mom was a huge fan...I didn't appreciate it then but now I realize he had one of the best, purest voices in the industry....He'll be missed.......I fell in love wit Roberta Flack the first time I ever heard this song
and2rew...apparently, you have no understanding of the lyrics. The song is not about a love affair with a male singer. Read more about what the song means...
Why does anyone care if he was gay? If the man could sing, the man could sing. I really didn't give a crap about his personal life. I listened to be entertained, and he certainly succeeded in that regard. What a talent he was!
Luther credits Roberta to pushing him into a solo career when he did backup and vocal choral arrangements for her in her prime...this is so blessed to see ... we love you Luther...Roberta thanks for the many heartfelt songs and song interpretations...luv luv luv....:-)
luther turns to food at one point in time bcoz he knew society can be cruel at times when he comes out of the closet...but who cares he's a gifted singer unparalled...
PLEASE DONT READ THIS. YOU WILL GET KISSED ON THE NEAREST POSSIBLE FRIDAY BY THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE. TOMORROW WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. HOWEVER IF YOU DONT POST THIS COMMENT TO AT LEAST 3 VIDEOS YOU WILL DIE WITHIN 2 DAYS. NOW UV STARTED READIN DIS DUNT STOP THIS IS SO SCARY. SEND THIS OVER TO 5 VIDEOS IN 143 MINUTES WHEN UR DONE PRESS F6 AND UR CRUSHES NAME WILL APPEAR ON THE SCREEN IN BIG LETTERS. THIS IS SO SCARY BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY WORKs
Even if he is gay, that's not what this song is about. It is about Don Mclean and his song about buddy holly... so there's no sexuality in this song - a straight man can sing it too...
all those who enjoyed Luthers music should do just that lets not quiz his sexuality remember the joy he brought us and continues to give us when ever we play or hear his music he lives on in our hearts ,those people bothered get a reality check lets talk positives and not assumptions Luther's a legend and is greatly missed thats a positive peace to you all .
Luther gave us so much through his talent. It would be terribly sad and shameful if after all that he couldn't be himself and live his very short life the way he wanted. It's something for haters to think about.
Was that Luther Did the Mic Check, But Miss Flack Was sitting Down In the Audiance In the cut Just Watching Luther, Went up to Luther & Said Your Very Comfortable Being My Back up But U Need to Do your Thang Cause U are Bad, & She Fired Luther So that Luther can Go out & Take that Chance---Thanks GOD He Did
What I Really Enjoy About this Clip is that 4 Us that Do Know & Do Remember, Luther Vandross use to sing Back-Up For Miss Roberta Flack, & The story Was told By Both Of them That One Day Roberta Tld Luther To So a Sound Check On The Mic They Were 2 Use that nite & What happend
i just don't see why this guy denise is so obsessed with luther's gayness; he still made good music. and if all the famous people who are gay came out, i bet we'd all be suprised. but we'd still appreciate their talent. get over it, denise.
I never gave a damn about his personal life, that was always his business. But that man was the best singer I've ever heard. Period! In my opinion next to him was Sam Cooke. The day he died... to me, music died too. Now all you get is everyone in the club drinking Patron. Music is not the same.
This performance is excellent on so many levels. Both Vandross and Flack have voices that can blend with almost anyone...and yes Roberta is quite short (around 5'1) and Luther was a large man around that time, although his weight went up and down in the throughout the 90's and early 2000's.
There's another incident when a couple of weeks before his stroke, Luther's mother asked what his problem was because he was overeating again. It's such a mystery in terms of if his mother, Mary Ida Vandross accepted the fact that his son was possibly gay. I guess it's difficult for some people that he would cover his secret love life and turn to food for comfort to the point where it killed himself. His sexuality would have mattered less if he wasn't a balladeer.
I wonder how his mother felt about the possibility of him being gay and how she took it especially since I read from the Luther Biography by Craig Seymore when Seymore was interviewing Luther about his love life and asking if it was worth keeping his love life such a secret and then after the fact, Seymore met up with Luther's mother Mary Ida Vandross and talked with her about and Mary talked to him about how great and talented his son was but never talked the pain he went through.
It just frustates me that diabetes ran through Luther's family. His father died of diabetes when Luther was 8 and his 3 older siblings preceeded him in the 90s with one dying of asthma. Being the youngest, the last thing Luther should have been doing was eating his pain away and gaining weight and losing it over and over again because his love life had to be such a secret. Then again who can blame him.
I think aquerius 23 that the best comparison to other Black gay role models of Black america in comparison to Luther would be alongside Langston Hughes (poet) and Michael Jackson (singer). Langston was not only one of the best Black poets of his time but was one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century. Langston according to vague rumors was gay and remained I guess unhappily closeted for the rest of his life.
luther started out singing on wrigley spearmint gum ads backing singer for david bowie just brilliant miss you forever but we will still dance in your honour
Damn, is Roberta short as hell, or is Luther tall as hell. Either way, they look and sound great. They both believe in backround singers being just as amazing as the leads, and it shows.
To the question of sexuality Luther HIMSELF said this "I don't even give the satisfaction of a denial,because to me a denial is a submission of sort.I don't evenj address it, I just say Mind Your Fuckin Business"....I happen to agree wholeheartedly with him!!
WOW...their voices are so complimentary. Two great voices performers of this caliber together is so rare. Roberta's song knocked me out when I first heard it when I was a young lady and now these two are making it so heavenly.
I loved that song and many others by Roberta Flack growing up. Folks forget that Luther was one of Roberta's back-up singers years ago. Even then their voices were beautifully matched.
Thanks for telling us that---I did not know he was backup for her also. I knew about his work with Anita Baker. A House Is Not A Home version that Luther does just knocks me out... I am going to "try" to sing this one some day and do it for him.
This is why people should keep there private life private. Speculation.... whether he was gay or not is nobody's business. Much respect to all who keep their personal life business personal. They are secure in theirselves...don't need to defend themselves.
What I mean was was it worth having him remain so secretive about his personal life that it affected his weight and contributed to his death rather than coming out and affect Luther for the person that he is and the talent that he has regardless if he is gay? Remember these rumors about his sexuality plagued him through most of his solo career to the point where he had few personal relationships.
It would have been different if his willingness to keep his love life private didn't have such an effect on his health and weight. I do hear people talk about how they care about Luther and how they love his music. I know it shouldn't matter, but Luther's inability to share his love life especially playing a role as balleader ended his life. Would you rather not have him squander his talent by coming out and live, or have him remain silent about his love life to the point where he kills himself.
I don't understand your note. Are you saying that if he was gay and wanted to keep it to himself, this contributed to his death? Everyone deserves his or her own privacy and how every he died, that is the way he wanted to live his life and we should all respect that. Remember him for the genius he was and not how and why he died...
For gay kids who NEED role models, Lets OUT EVERY known "CLOSETED"AFRICAN AMERICAN STAR who is non-hetero. Please get your SPEAKERS and shout out loud!!I,ll go first..MICHEAL JACKSON, JANET JACKSON, TONY BRAXTON, WHITNEY HOUSTON, USHER, ALECIA KEYS, FANTASIA, EVE, EVA PIGFORD, MISSY ELLIOT,...Help me somebody!!!
METHOD MAN, GENUWINE, PHARELL, MAZE, PUFF DADDY, KANYE WEST,LL COOL J, DIONE WARWICK, TL, Help me guys, lets DRAG them all out and MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR ALL!!!HELP ME SOMEBODY!!WENDY WILLIAMS ARE YOU THERE???OUT THEM ALL!!!
Wow, you seem to know a lot about people you probably never met. Dont you think it its more important to stand up for yourself than pointing fingers on other people. I think its stupid to think -if he is gay than its ok for me to be gay too-
Luther said and I quote..."I don't even give the satisfaction of denial because it's a submission of sort. I just say MIND YOUR FUCKIN BUSINESS"!! His words, not mine!
For the life of me I cannot fathom why we impose ourselves into other peoples' lives especially when we're not wanted!! Let's spend the time focusing on the things that actually concern US, ever MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS! Further, ow can we in good concious force the famous to model what "WE" think they should for the benifit of our own conception of what "WE" think they should be???
Furthermore...is'nt it a bit juvenile to insult me because of a diffrence of view? Children usually do such things. When I became a man I put away chidish things! I do agree that celebrity is a tremendous responsibility, but I don't agree that they should take the place of parents and family! They have the power because so many give it to them, then have the ordasity to be discontented when they fail to produce a good product when it was never their job!
Do you UNDERSTAND the WEIGHT a celebraty STATUS carries? You know what a ROLE MODEL means? How their words and DEEDS impact upon SOCIETY and HISTORY? Especialy younger minds??Nahh you obviuosly dont. You,d rather we SWEEP certain subjects under the carpet, cause you fidgeting about it!.NEANTHERTAL NEGRO!
I'm of the persuasion that celebrities would have less power to shape the minds of our youth if "WE" as the parents and family do the work ourselves!People that have no rearing and training skills tend to depend on others to do it for them.I was'nt molded or my consious indelibly marked by "Society" but instead by a family of people who cared for me,raised me and taught me that outside forces should never influence me above those that actually have my best interests at heart!!
Luther Vandross, my most FAVOURITE male singer of all time! Still is! and am so pissed why AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATIES ultra-closet themselves! Its a fucking shame!. Their are millions of gay mninorities who could do with AFRICAN NON-HETERO ICONIC models!.Fuck the black churches for making it hard for Luther to have a BOYFRIEND!..Fuck that bible shit!
Everyone needs to realize that Lurther was a Humain being!!!! A Blessing to this world & each of us. His private life was his not ours! There are those who will say what they say including Luange is not correct at the point she attempts to make! Never the less I will forever remember Luther for the Blessing he was to all who listened to his music.
Very interesting that we tend to jump to conclusions when we are not privy to actual information. It seems an alien concept to so many people that a man of luther Vanross's stature in the music business could actually have been a decent human being who did not 'whore' around. We all know he was private, but what is not widely known is that he was engaged to a gorgeous female and was about to get married when he became ill. Please respect the dead and do not speak of what you do not know.
Luther was Gay, we all knew it, typically we said NOTHING! Its the same sad pattern by a race with a LENGTHY history of GROSS victimisation for being all but BLACK! Other races should be standing in AWE of our TOLERANCE, but sadly its not the case.
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've never seen this performance! Kudos to Rose for showcasing great music and great musicians!! Love Luther and adore Roberta :)
he wasn't gay.. he was just taking time to find Miss Right. He looked in some very odd places. But he is with The Lord now and not doing anything naughty.
Yeah and he would find a very CUTE BOY in heaven believe me! Where there would be no NEED FREEZE-UP his love-life just to APPEAL to people like you...WHY DO YOU THINK HE HAD AN AWESOME VOICE!..?
whoa sister! I is a gay. I was being sarcastic and ironic. Couldn't you tell? I used to adore the Vandross around 1981 - 1984. I loved the arrangement he did for Roberta's version of Gwen Guthrie's God Don't Like Ugly (Gwen wrote it for Roberta). I love the production he did for the two Aretha albums in the eraly 80's. Not sure what happened to me but my tastes changed and I moved onto Jazz. Jazz was the mid80's to late 90's. Now it's Amy Winehouse and Cat Power!
I could care less if "Luffah" was gay. He was the best singer that I've had the pleasure to listen to. An absolute gift to us all. He has set the standard for excellence!
I agree! His music has really touched me. I feel about love in many ways like he felt, the yearning and longing. I read his book, and he keeping everything a secret really caused he alot of bad luck when it came to love.
HE WAS GIGANTICALLY GIFTED = GAY.......Wish he had Outed himself, would have been a plus for the black race and more so, young black gaykids to finaly have a role model. Sad..
Great duet...The only thing that touches this is Luther and Mariah......
catzdogs1 10 months ago
When this man would open his mouth it would seriously feel as though you were the only one in the room that he was singing to. Just look at Roberta's expression when Luther starts to sing his part of the song. I will never stop listening to Luther or any of the old school as long as I am in my right mind.
123cmosby 10 months ago
How true! I can't stand todays music. It really has nothing to give you but beats and groves and no substance. Thank goodness for youtube.Thank you to the people who upload these gems.Please keep it up
fullbore1969 11 months ago
even with a crap recording they are still in an untouchable class made by them,
lovely
bronicaetrs 1 year ago
One of the most covered songs of all time. First recorded by Lori Lieberman who co-wrote the song with Norman Gimbel And Charles Fox.
Other versions: Pre-Flack: Lori Lieberman(aforementioned), Hysear Don Walker, Anne Murray and (maybe) Bobby Goldsboro.
Post-Flack: Too many to name,but they include Jackson 5, Andy Williams, Lynn Anderson(!), Al, B. Sure, and, of course The Fugees with Lauryn Hill
cmulwee001 1 year ago
Estimated friend, if you want to listen again this song and an endless number of successes of the love I suggest you to visit Radio MUSICA PARA MIMOS - looks for his direction URL in Google ( search Musica para Mimos in Google)-. best romantic music of all the times in Internet, is great, is very good ...!!!
musicaparamimos 1 year ago
I that little tuch at 0:40 off Roberta.. as if she pass the magic tru.
gilmarr23 1 year ago
who is the nut on the congas - just ruins what could have been top class
zaqmlp1234 1 year ago
I love that moment at 1:05 where Roberta Flack is so moved by Luther!
This song...I could listen to it all day. Incredible voices. How I wish the video was better!
Thank you for posting!
imshooshy 1 year ago
Luther is the greatest in my opinion no other like him
fashizze 1 year ago
@fashizze You're right, Luther is the greatest, we'll never have someone like him ever again. I love Luther's music!
Oombalah 1 year ago
awesome
ocsosweet 1 year ago
Never saw this before. Thanks for posting. Miss Luther so much.
seeker7019 1 year ago
this is magic
chochief 1 year ago
Wow Luther Vandross with Reberta,does not get any better than that,thank u for posting
pjtnletsgovols9 1 year ago
CHILLS!!!
Hugs from Philly...
Inmypumps 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Luther was the background singer for Roberta's 1981 soundtrack album of Richard Pryor's movie called Bustin Loose.
Artist1974CH 1 year ago
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Artist1974CH 1 year ago
Luter Vandross -THE BEST SINGER!!!
lilia011267 2 years ago 4
Back in the day, Roberta's work touched me to the core. Does anybody else remember allowing your mind to drift and wonder, sometimes, the ballads true meaning? Songs like "Suzanne" always brought me to a majical and mystical place and allowed me to use my imagination and JUST THINK!
alohakeoni 2 years ago 3
When Luther made this song, I thought that he finally coming out the closet. I mean, everybody knew he was gay, and it would've been a good time to do so. I still would've been a fan of his, regardless of... But, he didn't, and I was cool with that too:)
jarbon5 2 years ago
Music is art, and in art u make thing the way you are... Not with music, the question is: "What happened to people"?
bataferrum 2 years ago
Really....WTF happened to music? It's like I woke up one day and there was "Soldier Boy." And I can't seem to find the exit out of this labyrinth of musical hell! I'm serious somebody explained to me, WHAT HAPPENED TO MUSIC?!
nuttinbutchurch 2 years ago 11
@nuttinbutchurch I know what you mean, I'm sorry to say ...I think you could say music has been 'dumbie-downed'---I miss words that touched the soul and moved the spirit now they just insult me!
ltbrownhue 1 year ago
@nuttinbutchurch
Somebody went to sleep at the wheel.
Omega1st 1 year ago
@nuttinbutchurch
You've got a point. This song is from a time when there were REAL singers and not manufactured auto-tuned singers like most of what's out there today, 'specially the Disney "singers"
cmulwee001 1 year ago
smooth and soul touching...
lisabace 2 years ago 2
As more and more of today's black artists erase the soul from RnB we can only say thank God for likes of Luther and Roberta. Subtle and understated. Pure class.
cammockgrossett 2 years ago 17
@cammockgrossett
yeah people with talent are the worst. beyonce actually can sing but she is a sell out.
seriously i feel ya there. this music is so deep.
djalternegro 1 year ago
Funny - I went on a double date to a Luther concert in Atlanta and my girlfriend and I were having such a good time dancing on our chairs that looking down at the guys, we decided - next Luther concert - no dates! Luther used to sing backup when Roberta was recording with Donny. God bless you all.
quaddrix07 2 years ago
That man can sing...
imshooshy 2 years ago
うわ、、、めっちゃ最高!!
nori304 2 years ago
Sweet Lord this takes me back... the classics of R and B. Luther and Roberta are legends. And to the matter of his sexuality, FUCK YOU if you'd rather talk about that than his god-given voice. It's a masterpiece in every way. R.I.P Luther
TriCkY4WiCkEdStYlE 2 years ago
I don't give a rats arse about Luther's sexuallity, you will never hear a voice from the Gods like his .Miss you my bro.
DJMarksman 2 years ago
I guess he was trying to let everyone know by not changing the lyrics from he to she, his to her, etc.
ranhill 2 years ago
This is the type of song that it doesn't matter what you say. it's not that type of love song. Music can touch anyone. That's what the song is about. Luther touched my life with his song, and I'm straight. lol
MusixMan81 2 years ago
You can believe that if you want to. But this Rosie O'Donnell show. To paraphrase Dr. Evil, strumming my face with your fingers is not something one dude should do to another dude. Yeah.
ranhill 2 years ago 2
ranhill dude.. the lyric is "strummin my PAIN with his fingers" not face. but your homophobic discomfort is hilarious nonetheless. yes, luther was gay. so?
inatrampolina 2 years ago 6
Come on bruh...elevate your mind. The song is about how a musician can play/sing a SONG and have that song speak to your situation. Strumming..as in guitar...my "Pain" (not face).... Then note how the guitar takes a little solo when they sing that. See that is what real music is about. It tells a story.
But I understand. Today music is so shallow that you are probable not used to great lyrical content in songs.
Walter9801 2 years ago 2
Amen brother.
GhettoBornBabies 2 years ago
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What genre i fit most??
PotentialGrows 2 years ago
My brother on drums lol!!
rmlginc 2 years ago
LOL 2:47
"Hey, Jubel..."
"Yeah Festus, What is it?"
"Uh... I don't think this is the tractor pull rally."
ranhill 2 years ago
HaHAHAHA! You crazy. LOL!
joko9395 2 years ago
so effortless yet so powerful
popokali91 2 years ago
Whatever happened to Roberta Flack? She can still sing and sounded beautiful in this clip. I think that she should still be recording. If not for record sales, then for the love of music. As for those with curiousity about Luther's sexuality. The man is dead, let's let him rest in peace. You know whether he was gay or not, God's gonna want him to lead His choir and do solos.
UniLuv2008 2 years ago
I LOVE IT SO <3
yasmincardim 2 years ago
Vibrato city...I love it!!!
kenon27 2 years ago
That audience is so WHITE! lol
imshooshy 2 years ago
So what ? This white boy loves black music....
Probably a lot of yellow boys love black music too..
Don't think in races...think in good and bad...
qwartel 2 years ago
OH HOW I WISH they had recorded this!
Roberta Flack sounds amazing.
And Luther...well, Luther is IT.
imshooshy 2 years ago
FUCK any one who thinks any thing other than the fact that Luther Vandross is God's Masterpiece.. 1!
Dietown 3 years ago 2
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Check out: 'A House Is Not A Home By MusixMan81' Tell me what you think. My Tribute to Luther
MusixMan81 2 years ago
If you listen to Luther version he doesnot say Young Boy. He says stranger. If he was trying to come out he would of said Young Boy.
He cleverly change some words. Listen to his interpretation.
software7072 3 years ago
Is'nt that what they're there for??You're probably white anyway.Don't hate cuzz ya'll can't perform these gifts as well as us!!! That's if you're white.If not you're just ignorant...either way Jackass pretty much fits!!!
kenon27 2 years ago
You have responded to the wrong person.
I think Luther is the Best R&B singer of all times.... I"m not sure why people concern themselves with Luther sexulaity. I guess people have too much time on their hands
software7072 2 years ago
Why do people put so much attention on the wrong things? To worry about somebody elses sexuality is really a waste of energy,because GOD is gonna judge us all in the end. I will promise you that no matter if Luther was gay or not the man left his mark on the world and that is more then most of us have done. People with the most to say about others are the ones with the most to hide in their closets. I love Luther's music it's just that simple. I have no proof he was gay so why gossip?
BLKJEW01 3 years ago 7
Honestly, it does sound weird to hear him say "he" at first...but then u have to understand the song. It's not a love song...it's a song about how someone can describe all the emotions that u feel through music...this happens to everyone at some point, regardless of the gender of the artist. Matter of fact, we relate to the same gender's message better.
diligence82 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
he was gay BTW.
lmlife70 3 years ago
Since he never admittedly said he was gay, who did you catch him fuckin'?
Do tell!
diligence82 3 years ago 7
if he was gay,what that got to do with u?he ever fuck u?dont concern ya self with people life style,check for yaself
jadedmoon13 3 years ago 6
God why did you take him from us?
pbyardh 3 years ago
Listen to Roberta... She doesn't have to try hard at all it comes naturally... You go Roberta!
kytyria 3 years ago
black people didnt care about his sexuality because he didn't "put it out there" for the world, but trust me had he been open with it blacks would have had a fit. as long as your quiet about it people acted very liberal about it, but the truth comes out when someone comes out the closet. sad but true
Bahia82 3 years ago
Brother Hathaway had the same issues it does seem a little ironic that she is singing Donny's song with Luther. I got this from some industry insiders. Strange who you know sometimes.
JayEm74 3 years ago
Damn thats some serious inside information right there
Bahia82 3 years ago
Incredible singers! Timeless song! A more atrocious video I have not seen. It can turn away (and deprive) those born long after this song first hit the airwaves. So please play another version of this great song, and put the video on only for the images. I wish someone could find a better version of this same performance. This performance will not happen ever again.
mominah01 3 years ago
WOW...I grew up on Luther Vandross...literally LOL...My mom was a huge fan...I didn't appreciate it then but now I realize he had one of the best, purest voices in the industry....He'll be missed.......I fell in love wit Roberta Flack the first time I ever heard this song
lblu32 3 years ago
Gay? Why in the world would that matter? Luther, Roberta, the background AND the band are all killing me softly over here! Let us focus on that!
grinerr 3 years ago 2
and2rew...apparently, you have no understanding of the lyrics. The song is not about a love affair with a male singer. Read more about what the song means...
abelevine 3 years ago
Why does anyone care if he was gay? If the man could sing, the man could sing. I really didn't give a crap about his personal life. I listened to be entertained, and he certainly succeeded in that regard. What a talent he was!
elgcpa 3 years ago 5
Hey the woman who is singing did she play Valona on "Good Times"? You know the woman who played the neighbor and adopted Janet Jackson?
swill43507 3 years ago
you dont know much about tv trivia
jksn008 3 years ago
wow! roberta looks beautiful. and luther... what a precious gift of song and celebration. what a a testimony of love in all its colors. i
branchwater7 3 years ago
This video is not the best, it is a little grainy but Luther's voice is so clear it is just beautiful.
I think that we should focus on his music and not his sexuality. That is what he presented to society.
ShelliGyrl 3 years ago 2
Luther credits Roberta to pushing him into a solo career when he did backup and vocal choral arrangements for her in her prime...this is so blessed to see ... we love you Luther...Roberta thanks for the many heartfelt songs and song interpretations...luv luv luv....:-)
deejazzdancer 3 years ago
luther turns to food at one point in time bcoz he knew society can be cruel at times when he comes out of the closet...but who cares he's a gifted singer unparalled...
earnibanag 3 years ago
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mohamz 3 years ago
Any song with Luther and Roberta is pure gold....
lhalabi58 3 years ago
Even if he is gay, that's not what this song is about. It is about Don Mclean and his song about buddy holly... so there's no sexuality in this song - a straight man can sing it too...
BigGJonsey 3 years ago 6
It's good that he didn't change the gender of the subject of the song. He was gay, a big black beautiful gay man.
and2rew 3 years ago 3
U Aint Never Lied Yessss A Wonderful Soul---Thanks for the Music & RIP U & Your Mother
jayon922 3 years ago 2
Who cares about his sexuality, the brother could sing.
inittowin1 3 years ago 7
Roberta Iloves you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
carabandunga 3 years ago
You r a dik, just shhh and listen to the music
yamumissamoan 3 years ago
all those who enjoyed Luthers music should do just that lets not quiz his sexuality remember the joy he brought us and continues to give us when ever we play or hear his music he lives on in our hearts ,those people bothered get a reality check lets talk positives and not assumptions Luther's a legend and is greatly missed thats a positive peace to you all .
vandrossfan 3 years ago 3
A great duet!TY
paulostroff99 4 years ago
ohh this backing band is bunk
SedanChair 4 years ago
Luther gave us so much through his talent. It would be terribly sad and shameful if after all that he couldn't be himself and live his very short life the way he wanted. It's something for haters to think about.
HijinxNusa 4 years ago 6
Wise words.
acidoamarillo 4 years ago
Was that Luther Did the Mic Check, But Miss Flack Was sitting Down In the Audiance In the cut Just Watching Luther, Went up to Luther & Said Your Very Comfortable Being My Back up But U Need to Do your Thang Cause U are Bad, & She Fired Luther So that Luther can Go out & Take that Chance---Thanks GOD He Did
jayon922 4 years ago
Really??? amazing...... Sometimes i just wondered if a really talent can be stopped shining when he or she is a true talent....
johnleitang 4 years ago
What I Really Enjoy About this Clip is that 4 Us that Do Know & Do Remember, Luther Vandross use to sing Back-Up For Miss Roberta Flack, & The story Was told By Both Of them That One Day Roberta Tld Luther To So a Sound Check On The Mic They Were 2 Use that nite & What happend
jayon922 4 years ago
i just don't see why this guy denise is so obsessed with luther's gayness; he still made good music. and if all the famous people who are gay came out, i bet we'd all be suprised. but we'd still appreciate their talent. get over it, denise.
stillwill2 4 years ago
I had goose-pimples and tears the whole time this played........Luv both of them forever
KassanovaBrowne 4 years ago
I never gave a damn about his personal life, that was always his business. But that man was the best singer I've ever heard. Period! In my opinion next to him was Sam Cooke. The day he died... to me, music died too. Now all you get is everyone in the club drinking Patron. Music is not the same.
stankfunk 4 years ago 3
YOU ARE SO RIGHT
ortancia54 4 years ago
This performance is excellent on so many levels. Both Vandross and Flack have voices that can blend with almost anyone...and yes Roberta is quite short (around 5'1) and Luther was a large man around that time, although his weight went up and down in the throughout the 90's and early 2000's.
direfranchement 4 years ago
There's another incident when a couple of weeks before his stroke, Luther's mother asked what his problem was because he was overeating again. It's such a mystery in terms of if his mother, Mary Ida Vandross accepted the fact that his son was possibly gay. I guess it's difficult for some people that he would cover his secret love life and turn to food for comfort to the point where it killed himself. His sexuality would have mattered less if he wasn't a balladeer.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
I wonder how his mother felt about the possibility of him being gay and how she took it especially since I read from the Luther Biography by Craig Seymore when Seymore was interviewing Luther about his love life and asking if it was worth keeping his love life such a secret and then after the fact, Seymore met up with Luther's mother Mary Ida Vandross and talked with her about and Mary talked to him about how great and talented his son was but never talked the pain he went through.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
It just frustates me that diabetes ran through Luther's family. His father died of diabetes when Luther was 8 and his 3 older siblings preceeded him in the 90s with one dying of asthma. Being the youngest, the last thing Luther should have been doing was eating his pain away and gaining weight and losing it over and over again because his love life had to be such a secret. Then again who can blame him.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
I think aquerius 23 that the best comparison to other Black gay role models of Black america in comparison to Luther would be alongside Langston Hughes (poet) and Michael Jackson (singer). Langston was not only one of the best Black poets of his time but was one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century. Langston according to vague rumors was gay and remained I guess unhappily closeted for the rest of his life.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
will u shut up!...man!....ur a douche....i think maybe ur tryin to come out through bashin luther.....
lovinlifetothedeath 4 years ago
Beautiful, the two of them together. They can sing !
Anetp 4 years ago
luther started out singing on wrigley spearmint gum ads backing singer for david bowie just brilliant miss you forever but we will still dance in your honour
eza4lyf 4 years ago
Lord have mercy the two of them together where is the fire extinguisher?? Two very gifted and passionate singers R.I.P. Luther!
purpleness64 4 years ago
His sexuality should have been of no concern to anyone. He had one of the worlds most beaufiful voices and always conducted himself as a gentleman.
prettyphab 4 years ago 2
you put the words so true luther was so gifted one great soul singer r. i. p. luther
robertfinn05 4 years ago
Damn, is Roberta short as hell, or is Luther tall as hell. Either way, they look and sound great. They both believe in backround singers being just as amazing as the leads, and it shows.
veniciavaden 4 years ago
To the question of sexuality Luther HIMSELF said this "I don't even give the satisfaction of a denial,because to me a denial is a submission of sort.I don't evenj address it, I just say Mind Your Fuckin Business"....I happen to agree wholeheartedly with him!!
kenon27 4 years ago
WOW...their voices are so complimentary. Two great voices performers of this caliber together is so rare. Roberta's song knocked me out when I first heard it when I was a young lady and now these two are making it so heavenly.
sicilianbabe8 4 years ago
I loved that song and many others by Roberta Flack growing up. Folks forget that Luther was one of Roberta's back-up singers years ago. Even then their voices were beautifully matched.
Duck8107 4 years ago
Thanks for telling us that---I did not know he was backup for her also. I knew about his work with Anita Baker. A House Is Not A Home version that Luther does just knocks me out... I am going to "try" to sing this one some day and do it for him.
sicilianbabe8 4 years ago
This is why people should keep there private life private. Speculation.... whether he was gay or not is nobody's business. Much respect to all who keep their personal life business personal. They are secure in theirselves...don't need to defend themselves.
lynnpwilliams 4 years ago
We can collectively ascertain that excellence was surpassed.
I miss Luther
Yesyall777 4 years ago
What I mean was was it worth having him remain so secretive about his personal life that it affected his weight and contributed to his death rather than coming out and affect Luther for the person that he is and the talent that he has regardless if he is gay? Remember these rumors about his sexuality plagued him through most of his solo career to the point where he had few personal relationships.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
It would have been different if his willingness to keep his love life private didn't have such an effect on his health and weight. I do hear people talk about how they care about Luther and how they love his music. I know it shouldn't matter, but Luther's inability to share his love life especially playing a role as balleader ended his life. Would you rather not have him squander his talent by coming out and live, or have him remain silent about his love life to the point where he kills himself.
ddenniscoleman3 4 years ago
I don't understand your note. Are you saying that if he was gay and wanted to keep it to himself, this contributed to his death? Everyone deserves his or her own privacy and how every he died, that is the way he wanted to live his life and we should all respect that. Remember him for the genius he was and not how and why he died...
lhalabi1959 4 years ago
For gay kids who NEED role models, Lets OUT EVERY known "CLOSETED"AFRICAN AMERICAN STAR who is non-hetero. Please get your SPEAKERS and shout out loud!!I,ll go first..MICHEAL JACKSON, JANET JACKSON, TONY BRAXTON, WHITNEY HOUSTON, USHER, ALECIA KEYS, FANTASIA, EVE, EVA PIGFORD, MISSY ELLIOT,...Help me somebody!!!
aquerius23 4 years ago
METHOD MAN, GENUWINE, PHARELL, MAZE, PUFF DADDY, KANYE WEST,LL COOL J, DIONE WARWICK, TL, Help me guys, lets DRAG them all out and MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR ALL!!!HELP ME SOMEBODY!!WENDY WILLIAMS ARE YOU THERE???OUT THEM ALL!!!
aquerius23 4 years ago
Wow, you seem to know a lot about people you probably never met. Dont you think it its more important to stand up for yourself than pointing fingers on other people. I think its stupid to think -if he is gay than its ok for me to be gay too-
charlottexpaulette 4 years ago
Luther said and I quote..."I don't even give the satisfaction of denial because it's a submission of sort. I just say MIND YOUR FUCKIN BUSINESS"!! His words, not mine!
kenon27 4 years ago
For the life of me I cannot fathom why we impose ourselves into other peoples' lives especially when we're not wanted!! Let's spend the time focusing on the things that actually concern US, ever MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS! Further, ow can we in good concious force the famous to model what "WE" think they should for the benifit of our own conception of what "WE" think they should be???
kenon27 4 years ago
Get some sleep! You are having brain-waves!
aquerius23 4 years ago
Furthermore...is'nt it a bit juvenile to insult me because of a diffrence of view? Children usually do such things. When I became a man I put away chidish things! I do agree that celebrity is a tremendous responsibility, but I don't agree that they should take the place of parents and family! They have the power because so many give it to them, then have the ordasity to be discontented when they fail to produce a good product when it was never their job!
kenon27 4 years ago
Do you UNDERSTAND the WEIGHT a celebraty STATUS carries? You know what a ROLE MODEL means? How their words and DEEDS impact upon SOCIETY and HISTORY? Especialy younger minds??Nahh you obviuosly dont. You,d rather we SWEEP certain subjects under the carpet, cause you fidgeting about it!.NEANTHERTAL NEGRO!
aquerius23 4 years ago
I'm of the persuasion that celebrities would have less power to shape the minds of our youth if "WE" as the parents and family do the work ourselves!People that have no rearing and training skills tend to depend on others to do it for them.I was'nt molded or my consious indelibly marked by "Society" but instead by a family of people who cared for me,raised me and taught me that outside forces should never influence me above those that actually have my best interests at heart!!
kenon27 4 years ago
Luther Vandross, my most FAVOURITE male singer of all time! Still is! and am so pissed why AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATIES ultra-closet themselves! Its a fucking shame!. Their are millions of gay mninorities who could do with AFRICAN NON-HETERO ICONIC models!.Fuck the black churches for making it hard for Luther to have a BOYFRIEND!..Fuck that bible shit!
aquerius23 4 years ago
Luange you can say what you want to say but I will clearly say you are not anywhere near being 100% correct & I will leave it at that!
lilnbigman 4 years ago
who cares if he was gay so what, he has the best voice ever and hes songs will outlive us all .
coventrycity87 4 years ago
Everyone needs to realize that Lurther was a Humain being!!!! A Blessing to this world & each of us. His private life was his not ours! There are those who will say what they say including Luange is not correct at the point she attempts to make! Never the less I will forever remember Luther for the Blessing he was to all who listened to his music.
lilnbigman 4 years ago
I am 100% correct in what I said. Absolutely correct. I will leave it at that.
Luange 4 years ago
Very interesting that we tend to jump to conclusions when we are not privy to actual information. It seems an alien concept to so many people that a man of luther Vanross's stature in the music business could actually have been a decent human being who did not 'whore' around. We all know he was private, but what is not widely known is that he was engaged to a gorgeous female and was about to get married when he became ill. Please respect the dead and do not speak of what you do not know.
Luange 4 years ago
Luther was Gay, we all knew it, typically we said NOTHING! Its the same sad pattern by a race with a LENGTHY history of GROSS victimisation for being all but BLACK! Other races should be standing in AWE of our TOLERANCE, but sadly its not the case.
aquerius23 4 years ago 3
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've never seen this performance! Kudos to Rose for showcasing great music and great musicians!! Love Luther and adore Roberta :)
BLACKADAM 4 years ago
he wasn't gay.. he was just taking time to find Miss Right. He looked in some very odd places. But he is with The Lord now and not doing anything naughty.
and2rew 4 years ago
Yeah and he would find a very CUTE BOY in heaven believe me! Where there would be no NEED FREEZE-UP his love-life just to APPEAL to people like you...WHY DO YOU THINK HE HAD AN AWESOME VOICE!..?
aquerius23 4 years ago 2
whoa sister! I is a gay. I was being sarcastic and ironic. Couldn't you tell? I used to adore the Vandross around 1981 - 1984. I loved the arrangement he did for Roberta's version of Gwen Guthrie's God Don't Like Ugly (Gwen wrote it for Roberta). I love the production he did for the two Aretha albums in the eraly 80's. Not sure what happened to me but my tastes changed and I moved onto Jazz. Jazz was the mid80's to late 90's. Now it's Amy Winehouse and Cat Power!
and2rew 4 years ago
yeah, he was gay. it was confirmed after his death by a lot of his friends. he was unhappily closeted.
TeenageWildlife 4 years ago
roberta didn't write this song
paulotomaso 4 years ago
lets all stop beating around the bush, was he Gay?
ajanijam 4 years ago
Yes, after his death, it became well-known that he was a closeted gay man.
ZoidburgFoShizzle 4 years ago
I think he was closeted to the general public, to the fans, but not to people in the music business. I think they all knew, his closes friends.
ghtei 4 years ago
I could care less if "Luffah" was gay. He was the best singer that I've had the pleasure to listen to. An absolute gift to us all. He has set the standard for excellence!
Franchize43 4 years ago
I agree! His music has really touched me. I feel about love in many ways like he felt, the yearning and longing. I read his book, and he keeping everything a secret really caused he alot of bad luck when it came to love.
ghtei 4 years ago
HE WAS GIGANTICALLY GIFTED = GAY.......Wish he had Outed himself, would have been a plus for the black race and more so, young black gaykids to finaly have a role model. Sad..
aquerius23 4 years ago
Such ignoramuses...it's not lyrically romantic..listen to the words...stop alluding to any sexual deviancy.
Ishmael7 4 years ago
Thank you Ishmael! Why are people so concerned about a person's love life, I don't know...
ghtei 4 years ago
dont be silly you know why he didnt change the words!
loaactnow 4 years ago
why luther didn't change the words to she was, instead of he was
ajanijam 4 years ago
I wonder the same thing because he recorded this song with out chaning the words...it's really creepy to listen to.lol
MrStyle 4 years ago
no it wasnt.
aquerius23 4 years ago
Speak for yourself, when a guy is singing about another guy in a romantic way....that is CREEPY!!!
MrStyle 4 years ago
No it arent! And its your Hare-brained-opinion. The KKK said free-ing African American slaves was CREEPY!! Didnt they?
aquerius23 4 years ago
You're an idiot! lol
MrStyle 4 years ago
NEANTHERTAL NEGRO
aquerius23 4 years ago
He felt, it was about how the 'guy's' performance affected the listener... was not romantic... thus he kept the words.
ghtei 4 years ago
The the artist that Roberta wrote the song about was I dude.
shiftyshif 4 years ago